Enjoy Your Parenting Journey
Enjoy Your Parenting Journey
The toddler stage is full of energy, discovery, and change. Every day brings something new. One moment your child is holding on to furniture, and the next they’re running across the room. Their first words grow into short phrases, and their once-simple games become early forms of pretend play. At Parenting Tales, we understand how important these years are. They shape the way children grow, learn, and build trust in the world around them. This page walks you through the milestones that many toddlers reach between ages one and three. It also explains what these milestones mean and how you can support your child through each stage of early development.
Milestones are signs that show how your toddler is growing in different areas. These areas include movement, language, learning, and social interaction. Each child develops at their own pace, and that’s okay. Some children begin walking early while others wait a bit longer. Some talk a lot while others prefer to listen before speaking. There is no fixed timeline, and what matters most is steady progress. You may notice patterns in your child’s growth, but you may also notice days or weeks when it feels like nothing is changing. Then suddenly they pick up a new skill. This is part of normal development. Growth can come in bursts, and some skills take longer to show than others.
Toddlers become more active and mobile as they grow. In the early stages, many children begin pulling themselves up and walking with support. A few weeks or months later, they start walking without help. Over time, they learn how to run, climb, and kick. Around 18 months, many toddlers can walk on their own, carry toys while walking, and climb onto low furniture. As they approach age two, they begin walking up stairs with support, throwing balls, and running with more balance. By age three, most children can jump in place, ride a tricycle, walk upstairs with alternating feet, and catch a ball using their arms and body together. Giving your child time and space to practice helps a lot. You don’t need special equipment. Letting them walk on different surfaces, climb on safe furniture, and play in open areas helps build strength and coordination naturally.
Toddlers learn to understand and use language quickly. In the beginning, they may point, nod, and use a few simple words. As time goes on, their word list grows and they begin combining words to share ideas and ask for things. By the age of 18 months, many toddlers say several single words and use gestures to communicate. At two years old, many can form two-word phrases like “want juice” or “go outside.” They begin following simple instructions and naming people, animals, and familiar objects.
Around age three, children usually speak in three to four-word sentences, ask basic questions, and express needs and feelings more clearly. You can help language development by talking with your child throughout the day. Describe what you’re doing, name objects around the house, ask questions, and listen to what they try to say. Reading books, singing songs, and pointing to pictures during story time are also helpful ways to build vocabulary and understanding.
Toddlers explore the world through trial and error. They enjoy figuring things out and repeating actions to see what happens. This is the beginning of early problem-solving and critical thinking. At first, a toddler might drop a spoon from their high chair just to watch it fall. Later, they may try to match shapes, build with blocks, or complete a simple puzzle. They begin to notice cause and effect, like pressing a button to make a toy light up or flipping a switch to turn on a light. By age two, many toddlers can follow two-step directions, find hidden objects, and begin to sort shapes or colors.
By age three, their thinking skills become more advanced. They may begin pretend play, understand the idea of “more” or “same,” and remember short sequences from stories or songs. These changes show that the brain is growing quickly and absorbing information all the time. The best way to support early learning is through play. Choose simple toys that allow your child to explore, stack, sort, and imagine. Playing with blocks, looking through picture books, or pretending to cook with toy dishes helps the brain learn in a way that feels fun and natural.
The toddler years bring strong feelings and big changes in how children relate to others. Your child begins to understand emotions, respond to social cues, and explore independence. At the same time, they still need comfort, routine, and clear limits to feel secure. Many toddlers show separation anxiety when a parent leaves the room. Others may test boundaries by saying “no” often or refusing to follow directions. These behaviors are part of normal development. They show that your child is learning they have their own thoughts, preferences, and voice.
As toddlers grow, they also become more interested in other children. Early on, they may play alongside others without much interaction. By age three, they begin to take turns, copy actions, and play simple games together. Social skills take time, and learning to share, wait, and express feelings in words is part of a longer process. You can support emotional development by staying calm during tantrums, offering clear choices, and helping your child name their feelings. Saying things like “You’re upset because the toy broke” or “You’re mad because it’s time to leave” helps them learn that emotions can be understood and managed.
Potty training is a major step during the toddler stage, but it does not happen at the same time for every child. Some children show signs of readiness before age two while others are closer to three or even later. Look for signs that your child is ready to start. These may include staying dry for longer stretches, showing interest in the toilet, or being able to pull down pants with little help. Once your child shows readiness, start with short, simple sessions. Let them sit on the potty without pressure or rewards. Praise their effort and be patient when accidents happen. Avoid rushing or comparing your child to others. Every toddler learns this skill in their own time, and a calm approach makes the process easier for both of you.
Toddlers need a lot of sleep, although sleep habits may change during this stage. Most children between one and three years old need between 11 and 14 hours of sleep in a full day, including naps. You may notice your toddler resisting bedtime, waking during the night, or shortening their naps. These changes can come with growth spurts, teething, or new fears. A predictable bedtime routine helps create comfort and tells your child it’s time to rest. Try using the same few steps each night, such as a bath, story, and cuddle before bed. Many toddlers drop from two naps to one nap between 15 and 18 months. Watch your child’s signals. If they seem tired, cranky, or restless during the day, they probably still need a nap, even if they fight it.
All toddlers grow differently, but there are some signs that may suggest your child needs extra support. If your child does not walk by 18 months, uses few or no words by two years, avoids eye contact, does not respond to their name, or loses skills they had before, talk to a doctor. Early support can help your child continue learning and growing at their own pace. You can also talk to a doctor if you have any concerns about feeding, behavior, or sleep. It’s always okay to ask questions. Parenting comes with a lot of learning, and you do not have to figure everything out on your own.
Toddlers grow in ways that feel fast and slow all at once. One day they are crawling, and the next they are climbing stairs. Their words start as sounds and slowly become sentences. Their play turns into real learning. The process is not always smooth, but every step matters. At Parenting Tales, we know the toddler stage brings both joy and stress. That’s why we’re here to walk with you through every part of it. Your child is learning how to move through the world, and you are learning how to guide them with love, patience, and care.